The demand arises within the context of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards’ review of Panama, after the country was included among the 23 individual cases selected this year to analyze compliance with Convention 87, concerning freedom of association and protection of the right to organize.

  Last June, during the 114th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, the ILO resolved that governments involved in alleged labor rights violations must explain the measures planned to end such practices, including the persecution of union leaders.

  This decision comes amidst growing controversy over measures taken against leaders of the Single National Union of Construction and Allied Workers (Suntracs) and the National Confederation of Independent Trade Union Unity (Conusi).

  Also under scrutiny are provisions of Executive Decree No. 11 of November 2025, which regulates aspects related to the right to strike in certain public services.

  Reports from ILO supervisory bodies have expressed concern over what they term significant restrictions on the exercise of freedom of association in the country, particularly regarding administrative and judicial proceedings and measures affecting the activities of workers’ organizations.

  The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) have also raised concerns regarding the state of trade union rights in Panama.

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